Background

Until the late 1990's, large financial institutions dominated the Forex market. Over the last several years the market has witnessed a dramatic evolution, with independent firms offering access to the forex market via internet-enabled trading platforms. Individual investors are now tapping into the FX market, with access to the same market data and tools used by institutions, hedge funds and professional traders.

In some ways, Forex is very similar to other financial markets. For example, Forex is traded with recognizable patterns and clearly-defined technical applications, comparable to those found in stock trading.

But the real advantages of Forex trading are obvious in the market's unique features. Forex attracts so much investor interest due to the many advantages not found in other financial markets.

Up to 200:1 Leverage
With more buying power, you can increase your total return on investment with less cash outlay. Of course, increasing leverage increases risk. With $1,000 cash in a margin account that allows 200:1 leverage (.5%), you can trade up to $200,000 in notional value.

Trade on Your Schedule; Respond to Changes in the Market
Forex is a true 24-hour market, open continuously from Sunday night to Friday night. With three distinct trading sessions in the US, Europe and Asia, you can trade on your own schedule and respond to breaking news.

At $3.2 Trillion Per Day, Forex is the Most Traded Market in the World
The sheer volume of Forex helps to facilitate price stability in most market conditions. What's more, almost 85% of all currency transactions involve the 7 major currency pairs.

How To Start

You will need to open a trading account. Most trading platforms offer Demo Accounts so you can trade with imaginary money.

A few USA trading platforms include InterbankFX & FXCM

A few trading platforms in U.K. include CMCMarkets , IG, Capital Spreads and Marketiva

If you prefer a different platform please refer to Google